Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

Helena drivers must now officially put down their cell phones.

The "Distracted Driving" ordinance goes into effect Wednesday. So now Helena Police can start pulling people over for violating the law.

The ban prohibits drivers from using a cell phone while driving. The ordinance allows for the use of hands free devices like Bluetooth headsets.

Law enforcement officers are exempt from the ban and so are people making 911 calls. The law also bans the use of cell phones by cyclists.

If a driver is caught using a phone while driving they can be fined up to 100 dollars. The offense will not be reported to your driving record.

The city will post signs around town notifying drivers of the change.

City Manager Ron Alles says police will issue warnings through January 7th.